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Tourists jockey for position to photograph Buddhist monks in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo: David Longstreath, AP
Whether we want the responsibility or not, we represent our countries when we’re on the road. Have you ever cringed at the bad behavior of another traveler from your home country?
Matador Abroad had an article titled, Do you represent your country when you travel? I’d say the answer is a definite yes. You become the face of your country to the locals you meet abroad, as well as to your fellow travelers.
While it is important to have a good time, it pays to exercise a bit of self-restraint. Being polite to locals is always a good idea. Not only for the sake of etiquette, but you may also preserve your safety and the safety of future visitors. By being a good guest, you’ll ensure a warmer welcome for the travelers that follow after you.
Respect is valued highly in pretty much every society. It’s one of those things that are “free for the giver, but priceless for the receiver. ”
For an example of how tourists are changing one place, check out this New York Times article: Luang Prabang, ancient town in Laos, grapples with modernity. It’s where I first saw the photo that I put at the head of this post, but it’s strangely not in the article anymore. I found it re-posted on another site, for the Global Heritage Fund.
Got any stories of travelers representing their countries well or badly? Share them in the comments.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Good luck to the U.S. The attitudes and actions of Americans in foreign countries can horrify you. There are other countries in the world who have their own laws, culture, language, etc…America is not the only country in the world. It’s a good idea to think of yourself as a “Goodwill Ambassador” when you travel. This is a great way to strengthen relationships with the locals.
I remember when I went to the UK in 2007. I was in London, England and our tour guide who was “mocked” by two American women because of his “British” speak. I wanted to crawl into a hole. Our tour guide reminded the women that they were not in America and in Britain they speak British not American English.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
When my wife and I were traveling through the Sahara, we were the only Americans among a group of Europeans, and were constantly surprised by the “us” and “them” attitude that seemed common to all of them. When hanging around the campfire at night, we found ourselves on the “them” side, sitting with the Moroccans, playing music, and talking until well after the other travelers had gone to bed.
The most egregious example we witnessed was when we had gone to a kasbah with a tea ceremony. While completely staged and not feeling as genuine as other experiences we’d already had, this was a resident performing a service in order to earn a few dirhams for his family. A Belgian woman excitedly pressed him, “Sing a song for us! Go on!” and he was clearly taken aback. We felt sorry for him, and embarassed for her, treating this gentle man as if he were a dog, trying to get him to perform tricks for their amusement.
Whenever we travel, we try to engage the people we meet, encourage communication and the sharing of stories. I’d like to hope that we represent our country well.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I think we all represent the country of our origin when we travel abroad. The way an Ukranian couple acted in Burma must’ve left a very bad impression on the friendly Burmese people. You can read about it in my Reminiscences of Southeast Asia.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Not sure of the nationality, but I had two major cringes in Mongolia this past July, the first at a local mountain blessing ceremony. I was there on my own, but with my Mongol guide. A few Mongols were sitting on the ground in the shade of a truck. One was a woman with a baby. A tour van pulled up, out of which poured over a dozen westerners, and there went the neighborhood as far as photos without paunchy, lily-white guys in baggy shorts and women in “vacation” clothes, including appalling hats, that were not, uh, flattering.
The cringe came when one of the women tourists immediately dialed in on the woman with the baby, marched up to her and practically pulled the kid right out of the mom’s arms like you’d pick up a puppy in a pet shop. All the Mongol woman did was smile slightly and wait for her child to be returned to her. Impressive restraint, to say the least.
The second cringe was almost the same thing, but this time it was a woman who was part of an Aussie tour group who we’d convinced to come meet some Mongol women I’m working with to set up a felt crafts coop. The coop director (who happens to be a local elected official) was holding her 8 month old son (who’d become my buddy) and this woman got out, walked right over to Boloroo and took her son right out of her arms.
What is it with these women? I don’t have kids, so I must be missing something. But it seemed like in both cases the moms and kids were seen as an “attraction” or “colorful natives”, not human beings to be treated with respect.
Does this happen a lot?
Can I restrain myself from stepping in if I see it again? Dunno.